SMSF Loan Refinancing — The Full Service
This is the service smsfrefinance.com.au was built for. If your SMSF holds a property financed through a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) and you want to improve the loan terms, reduce your interest rate or change lenders, this is where we start. We refinance existing LRBAs over residential and commercial property held in an SMSF.
Why SMSF Trustees Come to Us
Your current loan may be costing your fund:
• An interest rate set 3–5 years ago, when rates were higher
• Terms with a lender who has since exited the SMSF market
• No offset account or flexible repayment options
• A higher LVR tier than your property’s current value justifies
What a successful refinance delivers:
• A lower interest rate — keeping more money inside your fund
• Better loan features suited to your fund’s cash flow needs
• A lender with a proven SMSF track record and stable policy
• Correct documentation — protecting you in the event of an audit
• A smooth settlement with the bare trust structure fully intact
General information only. Interest rates cited are indicative and subject to change. Consult your SMSF adviser for advice specific to your fund.
What the 10 August 2026 Rule Change Means for Your Refinance
From 10 August 2026, an SMSF can only enter into a new LRBA to acquire real property if the property is business real property. This does not stop you refinancing an existing loan. The ATO has confirmed that an SMSF that entered into an LRBA before 10 August 2026 can maintain or refinance it, and that refinancing means a new loan contract for the same asset, with the same or a new lender.
The refinance must still meet the rules that apply when it happens: the new loan replaces the existing borrowing and the asset stays in the bare trust. Read the SMSF refinance FAQs or check your eligibility.
Our SMSF Refinance Process — Step by Step
- Free Assessment — We review your existing loan: rate, term, LVR, and fund liquidity. No cost, no obligation. We tell you clearly whether refinancing is likely to benefit your fund.
- Document Collection — We compile what lenders need: SMSF trust deed, bare trust deed, financial statements, bank statements, rental income evidence, and trustee ID documents.
- Lender Comparison — We search our panel of 10+ specialist SMSF lenders for products that match your property type, LVR, and fund structure. We shortlist — then present options with honest comparisons.
- Application Lodgement — We prepare your application and conduct a compliance pre-check before submitting anything. Our brokers check every document against ATO LRBA requirements before submission.
- Credit Assessment — The lender reviews your fund’s financial position, orders a valuation, and conducts their own SMSF compliance checks. We stay in active contact to ensure no delays.
- Settlement — The new lender pays out the existing SMSF loan. The bare trust structure and title remain intact throughout. We confirm all loan documents align with your trust deed before signing off.
Coordinating with your accountant and solicitor? See the FAQs.
SMSF Refinance Eligibility — At A Glance
| Eligibility Factor | Typical Lender Requirement |
|---|---|
| LVR — Commercial property | Up to 80%, depending on lender and property |
| Fund liquidity post-settlement | Approximately 5% of loan amount or total SMSF debts for most lenders; some lenders have no specific liquidity requirement |
| Minimum SMSF fund balance | Generally $200,000+ total fund assets; some lenders do not impose a minimum |
| Loan history | Clean repayment record on existing SMSF loan |
| Property type | Commercial; sole purpose test must be met |
| Bare trust status | Original bare trust must remain intact |
| SMSF compliance status | Fund must be ATO-compliant at time of application |
Full checklist and documents: SMSF refinance eligibility requirements.
Lender criteria change. These benchmarks are indicative. We confirm current requirements during assessment.
Who We Help with SMSF Loan Refinancing
Doctors and medical professionals, business owners whose SMSF owns their premises, and lawyers, accountants and consultants. Our SMSF specialist is Raymond Liao, a CPA-qualified former banker.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
